O.K. here is to opening a can of worms. I just posted my fettled AGM 3016 and it is as good as it gets. I noticed when I had it completely torn down that the valve assy and fuel air pick up is very different then the more common Coleman. I am an automotive engineer by trade and IMHO the AGM seems to have a better design. I especially like the fact that the valve does not rely on a sharp point to close off the fuel flow (like all euro stoves and lanterns and coleman stuff). Instead it uses a flat tip with a secondary spring loaded brass needle to maintain a spring force against the main valve spindle. Anyone else have any experience with this model? Your thoughts? Dave
can of worms indeed would love to see a picture of the valve. but in my mind a spring loaded mechanism could be an over design rather then a better one. a spring loaded mechanism will fail before the sharp edge will not seal. I take the old quicklites as an example, mine is from the 20's and before fixing it I tested it and it worked great without any issues (just a new generator and cap seal)
The Colemanm needle valve is a positive lock. No springs to weaken and eventually fail they just work and last for ever. I don't like spring loaded stops anywhere in a gasoline lamp so I prefer the Coleman type every time. ::Neil::
Viewed in this Visio rendering by Dan Boschen on his "Old Dirty Coleman Paper" website the cut away shows what appears to be a "positive shut off" by the valve stem. The spring moves the air valve stem during light off and closure at full open. AGM 3016 valve cut away drawing Other manufacturers instant light systems are also shown on this site. Such as Akron, Prentiss-Wabers and Nulite. Bob
